Adoption information
About Adelaide
Adelaide is a spirited puppy always looking for adventure and mischief. She will need time and dedication to guide her maturity. She needs to complete toilet training. She already walks well on lead for a 16 week old pup.
I feel she would be best suited to an experienced dog home preferably with another dog in the home. Being only young she’s still getting used to being left home alone.
At full growth she will be a medium size dog.
Please be sure to read the medical information. She is available to meet at Bateau Bay on the Central Coast of NSW.
Medical notes
Unfortunately Adelaide ended up in rescue as she was born with:
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital (present at birth) heart defects in dogs.
She’s has already had the surgery to completely correct it and she has made a complete recovery.
What is PDA?
• Fetal Vessel: Before birth, a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus connects the aorta and the pulmonary artery. It allows blood to bypass the uninflated fetal lungs.
• Failure to Close: When a puppy is born and takes its first breath, this vessel is supposed to close. If it remains open ("patent"), blood incorrectly shunts from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, overloading the left side of the heart.
Common Symptoms
• Continuous "machinery-like" heart murmur (often heard under the left armpit)
• Coughing or labored breathing
• Exercise intolerance or general weakness
• Hind-end weakness or collapsing episodes
• Left-sided congestive heart failure if left untreated
Affected Breeds & Risk Factors
• More common in female dogs.
• Frequently seen in small- and toy-breed dogs, though medium and large breeds can also be affected.
• Predisposed breeds include the Maltese, Pomeranian, Shetland Sheepdog, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, and Miniature/Toy Poodle, as detailed by VCA Animal Hospitals. Because the condition has a hereditary component, affected dogs should not be bred.
Diagnosis and Treatment
• Diagnosis: Usually suspected via a physical exam and heart murmur, and confirmed using an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), alongside chest X-rays.
• Treatment Options: The vessel must be closed to stop the abnormal blood flow. This is done via surgical ligation (open-chest procedure) or minimally invasive transcatheter occlusion (placing a coil or device through a catheter).
• Prognosis: If treated early (typically before 6 to 12 months of age and before heart failure sets in), the prognosis is excellent and the dog can often live a normal, full lifespan. Without treatment, many dogs develop severe heart failure within their first year of life.
Adoption details
At Ozzi Hearts 4 Paws, we strive to ensure that every adoption is a perfect match, providing our rescued animals with loving forever homes. Our adoption process is designed to ensure the well-being and happiness of both the animals and their adoptive families. Here's how it works:
1. Application:
Prospective adopters begin by filling out an adoption application. This form helps us understand your lifestyle, preferences, and expectations, allowing us to match you with the most suitable companion.
2. Meet and Greet:
Once your application is reviewed and approved, we arrange a meet and greet with the animal(s) you're interested in. This gives you an opportunity to interact with the pet and determine if there's a connection.
3. Home Visit:
For certain animals, we may conduct a home visit to ensure that your living environment is safe and suitable for the pet you're interested in adopting. This step helps us ensure the well-being of both the animal and your family.
4. Adoption Agreement:
If the meet and greet goes well and your home is deemed suitable, we'll ask you to sign an adoption agreement. This document outlines the responsibilities of both parties and serves as a commitment to providing a loving and forever home to the adopted pet.
5. Adoption Fee:
An adoption fee is required to help cover the costs associated with the animal's rescue, medical care, and rehabilitation. The fee varies depending on the age, breed, and medical history of the animal but typically includes vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
6. Take Your New Family Member Home:
Congratulations! Once the adoption process is complete and the adoption fee is paid, you can take your new furry family member home. Our team will provide you with all the necessary information, including medical records, feeding guidelines, and tips for a smooth transition.
7. Follow-Up Support:
Our commitment to you and your new pet doesn't end after adoption. We offer ongoing support and guidance to help ensure a successful transition and a lifetime of happiness for both you and your furry friend. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
Thank you for considering adoption from Ozzie Hearts 4 Paws. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of animals in need.